Flattery is the gift that keeps on giving, in the online world.

I was certainly flattered to be singled out by the ever charming Muriel Ide, along with four other bloggers, to receive the ‘Prix Arte y pico’ prize.  Created by a designer from Uruguay named Eseya, this prize has been making the rounds here in Quebec for a couple of months, but I’ve yet to see it on an English-language blog, so I’m pleased to take the opportunity to spread the love to the ROC. 

The rules of the game, as translated into English on Eseya’s Arte et pico blog:

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, creativity, design, interesting material, and also contrubuites to the blogger community, no matter of language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award-winning, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winning and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of « Arte y pico« blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5) To show these rules.

Nice intiative, all around.  Especially if you’re intelligent enough to realize that it can go a long way to getting you precious inbound links for your blog.  And, as they say, ‘render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s’.  With a blog that has garnered 4,566 blog reactions and a Technorati rank that breaks the top 500 at 401, Eseya is obviously the biggest benefactor of this viral initiative.  And so she should be.

So as a hat tip to Eseya, and out of respect for my fellow bloggers, I’ve decided to join the fun and submit my list.  For some reason, here in Quebec, the prize has been shared between women.  I’m going to buck that trend today, because there are some men out there whose blogs and podcasts I would be hard pressed to live without.    So without further ado, and in no particular order:

1. Bob LeDrew – all around nice guy, his FlackLife blog is always interesting.  More than once, he’s pointed me in a new direction and given me food for thought.  So thanks, Bob

2. Dave Fleet – all around nice guy (hmm .. starting to sense a pattern), Dave is a true collaborative blogger, sharing valuable tips and creating the Social Media Training Wiki for PR professionals.  Cheers, Dave!

3. Donna Papacosta – the queen of podcasting shares her expertise not only through the Trafcom News blog and podcast, but also through interesting webinars.  Always generous with her time and recommendations.  And, dare I say it? An all-around nice chick.

4. Joe Thornley – where would we be without the father of Third Tuesdays and of the Pro PR blog?  Joe was smart enough to know a good thing when he saw one and introduced the Third Tuesday concept to Canada a couple of years ago.  He’s a thoughtful blogger who lives and breathes social media.

5. Dave Jones and Terry Fallis – the hosts of PR podcast ‘Inside PR’ are engaging, funny, smart and make listening to a business podcast a real pleasure.  I never miss a week and am certain to walk away from each episode with a nugget of wisdom.  Thanks, Dave and Terry, for the 125 (and counting) episodes of Inside PR.  Now if only Dave would let Terry bring back ‘Inside Proper English’ …

I don’t think this should be seen as a kind of ‘chain letter’ (it certainly isn’t meant that way) but rather as an honest recognition of fellow bloggers who enrich my knowledge of social media on a daily basis.  Bob Ledrew and Dave Fleet, in particular, might feel a little overwhelmed, considering I just tagged them both in my 6 things meme last week.  If you decide to continue to share the love, all the better.